Reserved for bicycles, cycle paths are strictly prohibited for cars. Find out about the penalties provided for in the event of non-compliance.
It has undoubtedly all happened to us at one time or another to circulate on a cycle path, either on purpose or while we were a little distracted. After all, to err is human. Especially since certain types of infrastructure are less well separated from the roadway than others. Indeed, it is necessary to distinguish between cycle paths and lanes, which are much more different than you might think. Cycle paths are indeed lanes reserved for cyclists, well separated from the roadway, by a physical element such as a hedge or a wall, or installed on a sidewalk. Thus, there is little risk for motorists to ride it and therefore to put users in danger. For its part, the cycle lane is drawn on the road, simply separated by lines on the ground, which is then more common in large cities lacking space. But anyway, if these two types of infrastructure are slightly different, the penalties are the same for non-compliance with the rules for motorists.
What does the Highway Code say?
It is common to come across motorists quickly overlapping the cycle lane or stopping for a few seconds to drop off a passenger, believing that this does not constitute an offense. However, the Highway Code is very clear on this subject, indeed stipulating in thearticle R412-7 that ” When, on the road, a traffic lane reserved for certain categories of vehicles is marked out, drivers of other categories of vehicles must not travel on this lane “. However, it is specified that they “ can cross a sidewalk, from the nearest access, to reach or leave the driveways of neighboring buildings or accesses not open to public traffic “And that they” can also cross it to reach another roadway if there is an arrangement for this purpose “. Note that certain categories of vehicles can circulate on cycle lanes, such as road maintenance and household waste collection vehicles.
If you are caught in the act of driving on a lane or a cycle path, you risk a 4th class fine, in the amount of 135 €, reduced to 90 €. However, no point deduction is foreseen for this type of offense.
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